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One letter, from Ernest P. Palmer, addressed from the 109th Field Ambulance, British Expeditionary Force, reads: “We can only carry on, hoping this will be our last year out here, and that we will be home for next Christmas.”

Another correspondence from Robert Breuis says: “I often think of the many hours I had in the choir, and hope that (God willing) I shall one day return there and renew old acquaintances.”

He reveals that his goal now is to compile an online database containing the details of every serviceman and woman from East Belfast who served in the First World War.

Ten letters were unearthed from Belfast soldiers written in the trenches of the Somme

As project co-ordinator Mr Burke says: “We are aiming to build what we hope will be the most comprehensive public record of East Belfast’s contribution to the First World War. We think the numbers of men and women that served will run into the thousands.”

Another key aim is to broaden community engagement with and understanding of East Belfast’s First World War heritage.

We hope you enjoy this excellent documentary, filmed and directed by Tim Hood.

Feel free to get in touch with your own thoughts in our comment section below and don’t forget to check out Old Belfast for many great historical images of the city.